Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

beet goat cheese salad

Something I keep learning as I continue to work at Perkins’ Good Earth Farm is that how your produce is grown and where it comes from matters. For example, I have never liked beets. They stain everything, they smell funny, and I always thought they tasted like dirt. The only time I would eat them…

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Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

strawberry poppyseed salad

This Strawberry Poppyseed Salad was inspired by meals Dan and I shared at the home of Jake and Trena Van Wyk, back in our days at Dordt College. The Van Wyks often opened their home for Sunday dinners, and we experienced many delicious and comforting meals around their table.  Although I don’t remember the exact…

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How to Pack a Salad for Lunch

lunch time salad in bento box

Packing a salad lunch is a great option when you’re out and about for work or play. For instance, this past weekend we left the farm to go hiking at Tippecanoe River State Park. I asked each of our kids to make their own lunch. Our youngest chose a salad, and with some help, she…

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Gluten-Free Apple, Beet, and Date Crisp

gluten free apple beet date crisp 3

A few weeks ago farm member Sarah Hamstra asked me if I’d ever tried beets in an apple crisp.  I had not, but since I’m a big fan of almost anything that gets topped with vanilla ice cream, I decided to give it a try.  As a base recipe, I used America’s Test Kitchen’s apple…

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Greens with Maple Apples and Onions

In the spring and fall, when fresh greens are abundant and delicious, I often eat a salad for a lunch.  I throw a bunch of Perkins’ Good Earth Farm baby lettuce or spinach in a bowl, then search the fridge for toppings.  I know some people aren’t big fans of leftovers, but I’m not one of…

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Kale Salad with Apples and Figs

The first time I made this salad—as a side dish for a family get-together this summer—I almost exactly followed the recipe I found on Epicurious’s website.  We liked the salad so much, Dan made it for our 4-year-old’s preschool potluck, but he made a couple changes (including cutting out the red pepper flakes to make…

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